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Dear Easter People,

Fruits and veggies are major parts of a good diet. We’re thankful for farmers who grow them for us. But where do farmers get their seeds? Some farmers actually produce their own seeds. They’ll sow extra seeds to ensure they have enough to grow new produce to sell – while having enough to produce new seeds for next year’s crop.

Paul uses this fact to illustrate the use of our gifts of time, talent, and treasure. He says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2nd Corinthians 9:6)

In 2nd Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul addresses the Corinthian church in one of the church’s first stewardship drives. Paul’s been appealing to churches around the Mediterranean to help fellow Christians living in poverty and oppression in Jerusalem. Some of these churches are very wealthy. Others are quite poor. Whether wealthy or poor, Paul reminds them their gifts are to be used “according to their means,” not only on themselves, but also “for the ministry of this service … supplying the needs of (fellow Christians) … overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” (2nd Corinthians 9:3,12) Of course our gifts help people with physical needs. But they’re also signs of faithful worship of God. They’re a sign of thanks for God’s past and present provision, as well as trust in His future provision.

God continues faithfully providing for our needs. He’s the source of all we have, not because we deserve it, but because He loves and cares for us. We can trust His continued provision – whether through our hands or the hands of others. But God also provides so we can, in proportion to what He provides, give to others. Some receive more, some less – but all receive something. And God calls us to follow Him in faith by sacrificing a portion of the time, talent, and treasure He’s given us toward His mission to provide for and redeem all mankind. And one day, through us, God’s harvest will be abundant … it will be overflowing!

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

                                                                   Pastor Jim